Weekend destinations from Ahmedabad

When you are a world traveler, you often forget or are too oblivious to the places near your own city. Even if I visit places near my home, it doesn’t strike me to write about it. I get tagged in a lot of facebook posts asking suggestions for things to do and see around Ahmedabad (my current city) and Gujarat, the state. This led to me to write about Weekend destinations from Ahmedabad.

Ahmedabad, honored as India’s first World Heritage city by UNESCO in July 2017 is a unique blend of centuries old architecture, contemporary culture, industrial hub and a foodie paradise. Overwhelming at times due to its ever growing traffic, there are places which transform you into historical serenity and vibrant festivals to mesmerize. Being the largest city of Gujarat, it is strategically located and is accessible by train, bus and flight from all metro cities within India and has many direct international flight connections. It is also one of the destinations to look out for in 2018 says Lakshmi Sharath.

Though there is a lot to see in Ahmedabad itself, I may write about it later and for now just focus on the awesome destinations around it for a weekend.

Weekend destinations from Ahmedabad for the wildlife enthusiast:

1) Little Rann of Kutch

Situated about 120 kms from Ahmedabad it is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Inspite of being a desert ecosystem, there are options of bird watching as well as mammals that can be spotted here – Wild ass, Indian fox, Hyenas, Jackal, etc. For more details check here.

How to reach: By car – Take SH 18 through Sanand – Viramgam

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Eco Camp

2) Gir National Park

About 350 kms away, one can easily reach Gir National park famous for the Asiatic lions. Start early morning to reach for the afternoon safari. Get blown away with the diversity of jungles in terms of plant and animal biodiversity. Fore more details check here. You may combine this trip by visit to Somnath temple which is 70kms away.

Known as the pink island the road to Khadir from Lodrani is every wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Pink because it is the breeding ground of flamingoes which you will see on both sides of the roads. Combine it with Harappan civilization site Dholavira and you have set yourself an amazing weekend.

Accommodation: In Rapar – Suvidha Guest house (they take bookings on phone)

For the Architectural/Heritage enthusiast

1) Modhera – Patan

Famous for the sun temple, Modhera is architecturally mind blowing and is only 98 kms from Ahmedabad. Read up about the history or book yourself a guide there – it will enrich your knowledge about the temple. For more details check here.

Patan is further 43kms and can be easily combined to see the intricate work on 7 story step well below the ground.

How to reach: By car – Through palanpur highway

Recommended stay duration: Not required. Day trip possible.

Accommodation: In Ahmedabad

2) Vadodara – Pavagadh – Champaner

A weekend in Vadodara which is only 100 kms away should not be brushed away. The city itself has a lot to do, see and eat which includes the Lakshmi Vilas Palace and Raja Ravi Verma paintings museum. The next day go to Pavagadh and pay respect to the goddess Kali on top of the mountain either by climbing the 250 steps or by taking the rope-way to enjoy the view. On the way back visit Champaner Archeological Park, a UNESCO World heritage site.

How to reach: By car – NE1

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Hotel Express Residency

3) Bhuj

350 kms away, Bhuj offers best of all worlds – palaces, heritage sites, museums, shopping and it is the starting point for White Desert tour known as Rann Utsav. You cannot miss going to Bhuj if you are in Gujarat and fall in love with its colours against the white desert. For more details about Rann Utsav check blog by Mayuri Patel.

How to reach: By train – BDTS-BHUJ express runs every night between Mumbai and Bhuj and is an overnight journey 7 hours journey from Ahmedabad.

Known as one of the five largest sites of Harappan civilization, the site contains ruins of Indus Valley civilization. Get awed by the rain water harvesting systems used in those times in the dry areas of Kutch and many other excavated items. Combine this visit with Khadir bet to get the best of both worlds.

Accommodation: In Rapar – Suvidha guest house (they take bookings on phone)

For the Beach enthusiast

1) Diu

Diu is one of the favorite weekend getaways for many people of Gujarat. Located about 400kms from Ahmedabad, not only does it offer a dose of vitamin sea but also a respite to have some booze officially (Gujarat is a dry state and you do not get alcohol, yes, for a fact). So let the hair loose and get some sand in it.

If you extend your Bhuj trip to 1 more day, you can visit the amazing Vijay Vilas palace and the beautiful and less crowded Mandvi beach. You can do a stand alone trip here as well which is almost 400kms from Ahmedabad. If you get bored with the beach, head over to Naliya, the coldest place in Gujarat (in winters) to spot the elusive Great Indian Bustard in the sanctuary.

Okha is a port situated over 500kms from Ahmedabad. Well known among marine lovers, there are hundreds of small islands and natural coral reefs near Okha. Dolphins can be easily spotted in their natural habitat. It is ideal to book through nature camps to feel the real deal. This trip can be combined by visiting Dwarka temple which is 30km from Okha.

For the Nature enthusiast

1) Saputara

It is the only hill station of Gujarat and is located in the Western Ghats, about 400 kms from Ahmedabad. It is a place to throng once the monsoon sets its foot to see the green jungles and overflowing waterfalls for trekking.

There is a never ending list of things to see in Dang – wildlife, biodiversity, waterfalls, it is a perfect blend of nature for the nature enthusiast in you. However the ideal season to visit is monsoon. It is very near to Saputara and can be combined together for a 2N3D trip. Do not miss the firefly festivl which happens in July.

How to reach: Train to Bilimora and then car to Dang

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Rural Pleasure Homestay

Sustainable Tips for weekend destinations from Ahmedabad

Travelling local using train or road by public transport is the best way to explore the places near where you live

Blend in the culture by wearing the right clothes and eating the local food. This will keep you healthy and give you the feeling of being local.

Do not litter the places where you go for picnic. Always use a dustbin.

Practice ecotourism in national parks or jungles.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.